NSW implementation: NAGAFF warns against digital duplication, system gaps

The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has expressed concern over the current trajectory of the National Single Window (NSW) implementation.

NAGAFF, in a statement issued through its Trade War Committee, argued that it is most appropriate for the NSW Administrator to harmonise all applications and handle licences and permits on behalf of Customs to ensure a unified trade ecosystem.

Chairman of the NAGAFF Committee, Increase Uche noted that the current development of the B’Odogwu Customs Clearance System alongside a separate web application for licences creates a redundant system of duplication.

NAGAFF warns that if these platforms are not integrated, traders may be forced to use multiple systems, leading to inconsistent data and the submission of the same information across different portals.

According to the association, “a Single Window should ideally mean one platform for all trade documentation to enhance clarity, honour and integrity. ”

NAGAFF also noted that the development of seperate systems by Customs may suggest that the Service is not fully integrating it’s functions into the single window system.

“If this continues, the Single Window may become just another portal instead of the central system for trade facilitation,” Uche noted.

The association also highlighted weak integration of regulatory agencies on the single window portal noting that the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria appears not to be fully integrated into the system.

“During registration on the NSW portal, some practitioners are not routed to CRFFN for regulatory verification
This is a problem because CRFFN is the statutory regulator of freight forwarding practitioners in Nigeria.

“Also, the NSW has not taken into account the collection of CRFFN’S POF.
It should be that upon submission of a consignment document to the NSW portal, POF shall be automatically calculated and billed to the consignee or his agent/Freight Forwarder.

“What we are saying here is the urgent need for harmonisation of processes and procedures, this is to the fact that single window is taking off in stages and serially, ” the statement said.

While thanking the NSW Portal administors for their efforts in educating and informing freight forwarding practitioners of the forthcoming transformation and migration, NAGAFF called on Customs, as the lead agency, to step up its role in highlighting these changes to practitioners.

The association also urged the CRFFN to intensify its efforts in ensuring freight forwarders possess the necessary skills for this digital migration.

“Let us bear in mind that destination inspection is the trade regime policy of the government primarily. This simply means customs examination, wherein freight forwarding practitioners and onbehalf of their principals are expected to make honest declaration with honour and integrity to enhance seamless transition

“The relevance of Single window portal, PAAR, B’Odogwu etc are merely tools for trade facilitation, what we are saying here is that all parties must live an open mind to ensure that the new order succeeds

“It is not about customs, single window operator, CRFFN and critical stakeholders, it is about Nigeria and the dream of Mr. President’s agenda for a renewed hope and greatness of our country, ” the statement concluded.